First Comes Love, part 2

Ryan and I dated for a total of 2 1/2 years before getting married. Not long for a couple of youngin's. For about the first half of that time we continued to work together. Our manager knew of our relationship and allowed us to continue to work together even though it was against store policy. Little did he know of a few rendezvous in the walk-in freezer. I'm not sure, but the frozen chicken stars may have covered their little eyes a few times when we shared a couple of kisses. (insert embarrassed blushing here) But within that first year the owners found out that we were dating and I was transferred to another restaurant.

When not working together, we spent our time going to movies and plays, and day trips to San Fransisco, Yosemite or Lake Pincrest. We had picnics, hiked trails and took our bikes and rode the paths. For his birthday that first year, I took Ryan on a dinner cruise on the Sacramento delta. Don't be overly impressed, it didn't end up being the grand excursion I thought it would be, but it was an experience we shared. And on my birthday, Ryan took me to San Fransisco to see Phantom of the Opera (he knew it was my favorite). Yeah, that blows away the previous birthday adventure.

By the end of our first year together, Ryan had transferred to San Jose State University with Car Design as his career goal. He continued to live in town, but was traveling back and forth, an hour and a half each way, during the week for his classes and new job. And I quickly missed our mid-week evening times together....like when he'd be outside my class when I finished, or when I'd spot him there before I got out and I would smile or sometimes he made me laugh (which is generally not appreciated by college teachers and they'd shut the door). So by the end of that spring semester he was ready to move to the university and go full time, and the fall of '95 marked his official move away.

As we both prepared for his move to San Jose, we were looking at our relationship. By this time we had been dating for a year and a half and breaking up was not an option either one of us considered. And the next logical step for us seemed to be marriage. So before Ryan moved, we were unofficially engaged. The next big step was for Ryan to talk to my parents (dun dun dun!), which he did, and they gave their consent (thanks Dad, thanks Mom!). And a summer wedding of the next year was in the works as I cried my eyes out as Ryan's little white Honda Civic took my betrothed an hour and a half away from me.

The fall of '95 was an exciting time. My lifelong dream was within reach as I planned for our wedding. Ryan was now gone all week at college and super, super busy with his major, but still made time EVERY WEEKEND (save one) of that entire school year to come back to see me. We shopped for my ring, and bought one. Then I waited for him to give it to me. Yes, he made me wait (the stinker!).